Pilot transforms into ‘credible security threat’ by attempting to hijack US aircraft.
Pilot Turns Into ’Credible Security Threat’ After Allegedly Trying to Seize Aircraft Over US
A pilot riding in the extra seat in the cockpit of a Horizon Air passenger jet attempted to shut down the engines in midflight and had to be subdued by the two pilots.
Authorities in Portland identified the man as Joseph David Emerson, 44. He was being held Monday on dozens of counts of attempted murder and reckless endangerment, according to the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office in Oregon.
The San Francisco-bound flight on Sunday diverted to Portland, Oregon, where it was met by law enforcement officers.
Alaska Airlines, which owns Horizon, stated on Monday that the crew reported “a credible security threat related to an authorized occupant in the flight deck jump seat.” The airline emphasized that no weapons were involved.
The incident took place on a Horizon Air flight that departed from Everett, Washington, at 5:23 p.m. local time and landed in Portland an hour later.
One of the pilots informed air traffic controllers that the individual who posed the threat had been removed from the cockpit.
“We’ve got the guy that tried to shut the engines down out of the cockpit. And he — doesn’t sound like he’s causing any issue in the back right now, and I think he’s subdued,” one of the pilots said on audio captured by LiveATC.com. ”Other than that, we want law enforcement as soon as we get on the ground and parked.”
The incident occurred on a 76-seat Embraer 175 plane. Alaska Airlines did not immediately disclose the number of passengers on board.
When the jump seat, a third seat in the cockpit, is occupied, it is often filled by an off-duty pilot. However, the seat can also be used by other airline employees or federal safety inspectors.
The Western Journal has reviewed this Associated Press story and may have altered it prior to publication to ensure that it meets our editorial standards.
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What are the necessary measures that should be proposed by the FAA and other authorities to prevent occurrences like this in the future, considering both the screening process and mental health evaluation protocols
Orcement officers. Passengers and crew members were reportedly shaken but unharmed after the incident.
According to reports, the Horizon Air passenger jet was en route to San Francisco when the alarming incident occurred. The pilot, identified as Joseph David Emerson, allegedly attempted to seize control of the aircraft by trying to shut down the engines in midflight. Thankfully, the two pilots on board were able to subdue him and regain control of the plane.
The motive behind Emerson’s actions remains unclear at this time. However, his behavior raises serious concerns about security measures and the screening process for flight crew members. As pilots are entrusted with the lives of hundreds of passengers, it is imperative that airlines and aviation authorities have strict protocols to ensure the safety of both the crew and passengers.
The incident also raises questions about mental health evaluations and monitoring within the aviation industry. Pilots undergo regular medical examinations, but it is crucial to ensure that mental health screenings are given equal importance. Identifying any potential mental health issues and providing appropriate support and treatment is essential to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The quick response from the pilots and law enforcement officers, who met the diverted plane in Portland, deserves commendation. Their prompt actions and professionalism ensured the safety of everyone on board and prevented a potential tragedy. This incident highlights the importance of well-trained and alert pilots and the need for effective collaboration between flight crews and law enforcement agencies.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and other relevant authorities must thoroughly investigate this incident to understand the circumstances leading up to it and propose necessary measures to prevent such occurrences in the future. This investigation should include an evaluation of the screening process for flight crew members, as well as the mental health evaluation protocols.
While incidents like this are rare, they serve as reminders that security threats can emerge from unexpected sources. The aviation industry must remain vigilant and proactive in implementing robust security measures to ensure the safety of passengers and crew members alike. This includes regular reassessments of existing protocols and continuous training programs for flight crews to handle emergency situations effectively.
Fortunately, nobody was harmed in this incident, but it serves as a wake-up call for the authorities and the aviation industry as a whole. Swift action must be taken to identify and address any potential loopholes in security protocols and screening procedures. The safety and security of air travel should always be the highest priority, and incidents like this must not be allowed to happen again.
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